Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I did not want the Taoiseach to go back over the higher remuneration background. The question I asked pertained to the Taoiseach's point regarding the forthcoming pay negotiations, namely, that expectations should be in line with economic circumstances. Although the Government has accepted salary increases of between €36,000 and €38,000 for Cabinet members, front-line nurses who work in overcrowded accident and emergency departments and so on were not awarded anything in the benchmarking process. Will this not pose a difficulty for the Government? Moreover, other workers experience daily increases in economic pressure, financial stresses and the cost of living, such as a 50% increase in the price of milk, and so on. It will be highly difficult to keep expectations in line with economic circumstances when ordinary workers see the outcome of the higher remuneration recommendations being accepted by the Government. What is the Taoiseach's view on wage restraint? Does he have a view on the level at which it should be pitched? Does he consider that his opinions regarding expectations can be met?

I wish to ask a different question in respect of Aer Lingus. Most Members, to a greater or lesser extent, have an interest in the Irish language. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has made highly relevant announcements in this regard including proposals to send teachers to universities in America, site a university at Ballyferriter and so on, all of which are grand plans. However, the Government owns 23% of Aer Lingus on the people's behalf. Was it informed of an instruction given by Aer Lingus to all pilots and flight personnel to the effect that all announcements flying out of Belfast were to be made in English only?

I raised this question with the Minister last week, who replied he had no function in the matter. While Aer Lingus no longer is the national airline in that sense, the Government is a 23% shareholder. I fly to Brussels with Aer Lingus occasionally to attend meetings and inevitably short formal announcements are made such as, "Fáilte romhaibh chuig an mBruiséil" or whatever. The Taoiseach, quite appropriately, visited First Minister Paisley recently as issues arise in respect of cross-Border activities, Scots Gaelic, the Irish language, promotion of our different cultures and such matters. I find it extraordinary that Aer Lingus, the carrier of the shamrock throughout the world for many years, would issue an instruction to its flight personnel and pilots that all announcements are to be made in English only. Did Aer Lingus consult the Government on this matter?

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